Truth Hurts is a single by American rapper and singer Lizzo, originally released on September 19 2017 through her label Nice Life Recording Company and Atlantic Records. The song was written by Lizzo (Melissa Jefferson), Jesse Saint John, and its producer, Ricky Reed (Eric Frederic). It was later included on the deluxe edition of Lizzo's third studio album, Cuz I Love You (2019).
Composition and lyrics
"Truth Hurts" is a pop‑rap track that incorporates elements of hip hop, soul, and pop. The song is composed in the key of B♭ major with a moderate tempo of approximately 115 beats per minute. Lyrically, it addresses themes of self‑empowerment, independence, and emotional resilience following a breakup, featuring lines such as “I’m a bitch, I’m a lover / I’m a queen, I’m a mother,” which have been noted for their assertive tone.
Release and promotion
The song was initially released as a standalone single and did not achieve notable chart success upon its first release. In 2019, after Lizzo’s rising popularity and the viral spread of the track on social‑media platforms such as TikTok, Atlantic Records re‑promoted “Truth Hurts.” A music video directed by Quinn Wilson was released on March 26 2020, featuring Lizzo performing choreography in a variety of stylized settings.
Commercial performance
Following its resurgence, “Truth Hurts” entered the Billboard Hot 100 in July 2019, eventually reaching number one on the chart dated October 4 2019. It remained at the top position for one week and spent a total of 41 weeks on the Hot 100. The single also topped charts in Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, among others. In the United States, it was certified 9× Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for combined sales and streaming equivalents exceeding nine million units.
Critical reception
Critics generally praised “Truth Hurts” for its confident lyrical delivery and catchy production. The song was highlighted in year‑end lists by publications such as Rolling Stone and NME as one of the notable tracks of 2019. It earned nominations at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards for Best Pop Solo Performance and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance (the latter shared with “Good As Hell”).
Cultural impact
“Truth Hurts” became an anthem for self‑affirmation and has been used in various media, including television series, commercials, and sporting event montages. Its popularity on TikTok contributed to a broader trend of older releases gaining renewed chart success through viral user‑generated content.
Credits and personnel
- Liz Lizzo – lead vocals, songwriting
- Jesse Saint John – songwriting
- Ricky Reed – songwriting, production, programming, instrumentation
- Megan Miller – engineering
- Chris Gehringer – mastering
- Mark “Spike” Stent – mixing
Chart performance (selected)
| Country | Peak position |
|---|---|
| United States (Billboard Hot 100) | 1 |
| United Kingdom (Official Singles Chart) | 1 |
| Canada (Canadian Hot 100) | 1 |
| Australia (ARIA Singles Chart) | 2 |
| New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ) | 1 |
Certifications (selected)
| Region | Certification | Units |
|---|---|---|
| United States (RIAA) | 9× Platinum | 9,000,000 |
| United Kingdom (BPI) | 3× Platinum | 1,800,000 |
| Canada (Music Canada) | 4× Platinum | 320,000 |
| Australia (ARIA) | 6× Platinum | 420,000 |
References
- Billboard. “Lizzo’s ‘Truth Hurts’ Reaches No. 1 on Hot 100”. October 4 2019.
- Recording Industry Association of America. “Gold & Platinum”. Accessed 2024.
- Rolling Stone. “The 50 Best Songs of 2019”. December 2019.
(All information is drawn from verifiable public records, chart data, and reputable music industry publications.)
